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Monday, November 4, 2013

Australia support dialogue with Taliban, says Peter Heyward

Shamim writes about Australian interest of investing in Pakistan natural resources. Shamim does not mention the scenario specifically but I am guessing his excitement is in the potential of Australian investment in providing better paying jobs for impoverished Christians under constant persecution in Pakistan. Although Australian investment would be good for the Pakistan economy I am not as optimistic as Shamim is that it would benefit the impoverished Christians that are viewed on the very low wrung of Pakistani society. Peter Heyward, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan provides the hopeful scenario for Shamim in an interview. This is what Heyward is telling his fellow Australian when visiting home.

Just to give a little context about the Pakistan mentality: Shamim mentions the sport cricket in this article. You should be aware that the sport of cricket is very huge in Pakistan. Cricket stars are placed on a comparable high platform as perhaps NFL, NBA, MLB and so on are in the USA.

ISLAMABAD: Australia supports dialogue with the Taliban to keep peace in the country said Peter Heyward, Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Talking to Shamim Masih he said that Australia has offered to invest in the vast coal reserves of Pakistan. We are interested in the mining, energy and agriculture sector of Pakistan. The agriculture sector is one of the big contributors in Pakistan’s economy and our companies are interested to invest in this sector. We support Pakistan in different sectors including energy. Coal is our specialty and Australian had been using coal for years, so we can Pakistan in this sector as well. Our experts are working in mines in Baluchistan. A terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team has blocked doors of international cricketers in Pakistan. Pakistan and India should resolve their issues through dialogue including Kashmir dispute.

Peter Heyward, Australian High Commissioner visited Daily Khabrian & Channel – 5 in Islamabad. Heyward said that Pakistan is facing the destructive situation of terrorism in the country and Australia supports the dialogue process to resolve the issues. Although Australia is part of allied forces in Afghanistan but none of the Australian officials are engaged with the Taliban. He said many Australian troops left and the rest will leave by the end of 2014, while some of the US troops will remain there.

Heyward invited Pakistani business people to visit Australia to hold investment conferences and seminars for matchmaking of the investor communities of both sides. He said we are reluctant in providing visa to business men.

He affirmed the on-going bilateral treaties between Pakistan and Australia which are being proceeded to facilitate the investment and trade prospects. He briefly described about the investment possibilities in Pakistan and also mentioned the special economic zones which are an investor friendly incentive.

Peter Heyward said that he has presented a soft image of Pakistan to Australian business people and won [them] over to invest in Pakistan. He has visited and met the business community of the country. Australian cows and sheep are popular in Pakistan and this breed is introduced. Australian companies are now engaged in Pakistan and are working in different sectors including energy, electronics etc. in Pakistan. Australian experts are now exploring gold, silver and other mines in Baluchistan, he added.

High commissioner said that Australia is a peaceful country and I feel proud to be here. Pakistan is full of natural resources; the government should pay full attention to explore these resources to bring prosperity in the country. If these resources are worked efficiently we can alleviate poverty [in Pakistan].